Abstract
Plasma-activated water (PAW) has emerged as a promising eco-friendly technology and a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers in agriculture due to its role in plant growth, nutrition, and disease suppression. To comprehensively evaluate its effectiveness, a meta-analysis was conducted using published studies comprising diverse crops, experimental conditions, and PAW generation chemistry. Log response ratios (LnRR) and pooled estimates with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and forest plots were generated for each response variable. Results revealed that PAW application significantly improved plant growth and pigment content (chlorophyll a, b, and c and carotenoids), along with total soluble solids (TSS), total soluble protein (TSP), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), superoxidase dismutase (SOD), and total phenolic content (TPC) supporting improved metabolic activity. Moreover, a significant reduction in disease incidence and severity under PAW application ensured enhanced plant defense responses. Plasma activation altered water chemistry by lowering pH and increasing electrical conductivity, nitrate, nitrite, H(2)O(2), and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), reflecting the stable presence of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). This comprehensive meta-analysis indicates that PAW consistently improves plant growth, biochemical characteristics, yield, and disease resistance. The acidifying nature of PAW also influences soil microbial dynamics, potentially enhancing nutrient cycling and long-term soil fertility. Collectively, the findings support PAW application as a multifunctional strategy for advancing sustainable agriculture through improved plant performance. The integration of solar-powered irrigation systems with onsite PAW activation and water quality sensors demonstrates a scalable pathway for precise, resilient irrigation and nutrient delivery in agriculture.